HI SB311

Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution to clarify that freedom of speech protections do not include the expenditure of money to influence elections.

Addresses concerns about the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) and Buckley v. Valeo (1976), which the legislature finds threaten democracy by removing limits on corporate and special interest spending in elections.

Establishes ballot language asking voters: "Shall the Hawaii State Constitution be amended to state that freedom of speech protections under the Hawaii State Constitution do not include the expenditure of money to influence elections?"

Notes that at least twenty states, including Hawaii in 2016, have urged Congress to pass a federal constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United, but Congress has failed to act.

Takes effect July 1, 3000, upon compliance with Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii State Constitution, allowing the state constitutional provision to potentially have value if future U.S. Supreme Court decisions overturn Citizens United and Buckley.